CBR or POR? Opinions wanted!

[SuperTink]

Never been to either, seems to come down to these choices for our dates.

Would love input--I know there are lots of variables, but just asking for overall impressions.

Bus service is important.

Thanks!

 

[HopperFan]

POR would be my choice for many reasons but especially bus. When at CBR we drive to parks.

 

[SuperTink]

POR would be my choice for many reasons but especially us. When at CBR we drive to parks.

Why is that, Hopper?

And thanks for the reply!

 

[mickeynut1]

Never been to either, seems to come down to these choices for our dates.

Would love input--I know there are lots of variables, but just asking for overall impressions.

Bus service is important.

Thanks!

We've never stayed at POR, but we loved everything about CBR. We found the grounds beautiful, the pool was fun (and each "village" has its own quiet pool), the food court had a lot of variety, and the buses were quick and efficient. We wouldn't hesitate to stay there again. Good luck.

 

[firstwdw]

We prefer POR. Both are nice resorts but CBR's 7 bus stops will make me think twice about booking there again unless I had a car.

 

[SuperTink]

Thank you for your reply!

 

[busymommy2pink]

If bus service is important I would advise to skip CBR. We stayed there last year and had the worst experience every single day with buses. It's actually scared us off mods for awhile. I wouldn't go back without a car. 11 days and not one good bus day isn't very good odds and I have a hard time believing that there can be that many off days in a row with varying parks. Also, the loop is so long that it could take 15 mins to even leave for the park or to return to your village on the way back.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I've stayed at both and POR would be my choice. I think the resort is just serene and lovely and the rooms were very comfortable. I love having the boat to DS as well. I wasn't impressed with CBR.

 

[ChasingLeslie]

Neither CBR nor POR is acclaimed for their bus service. CBR has a better pool. POR has the boat to DSp and Yeehaw Bob entertainment.

 

[alex9179]

I was considering between the two, as well. I chose POR because of the boat transport to Disney Springs, which we plan on enjoying 2-3 times, and Yeeha Bob's show. I enjoyed Boatwrights when there, before, and I think my family will love it for one of our evening meals. We're trying to take it slower this time and have a few non-park days. POR offers a little more than CBR for our trip.

 

[cutigerlady]

I would pick POR. We've stayed at both and really didn't like CBR. You have to take the internal bus over to the food court at night because the path over the water is not lit. We didn't like this at all. We found it much easier to navigate POR and we thought the food court and restaurant were much better. We also liked the pool over CBR.

During our visit to CBR there was a cheerleading competition going on and our room was right outside their bus stop that began at 5 am. The pool was overwhelmed with kids. At POR we stayed during marathon week and we didn't notice an unusual crowd.

 

[ols386]

POR. Like the theming better than CBR. Love the food court. Bus service was not bad. Like the pools and boat ride to DS.

 

[benniecooper]

We just left CBR this morning and I now prefer POR. The bus service was hit or miss, but not too bad. We were in Trinadad North building 31 so walk to Old Port Royale was easy. But we use Magical Express and I do not like the setup for that. It's just too far to walk to check in/out, internal shuttle and bell services are kind of a pain.

My biggest issue with CBR was the food. It was mediocre and IMO slim pickens. POR has way more to offer in dining options. I also thought the gift shop and its offerings were really small too.

 

[HopperFan]

Why is that, Hopper?

And thanks for the reply!

Large spread out resort with lots of stops (although I know for awhile they had two bus runs). Big enough for an internal bus to get to main hub. Anyway, by time the buses moved about, loaded etc and actually got out of the resort ........... we could already be parked at the park heading in. It simply took way too long to get anywhere, and again coming back.

 

[Babsy]

Some people prefer CBR and some prefer POR. It depends upon what you are looking for in a resort. We have stayed at both and enjoyed both for different reasons.

Similarities:
Both resorts are very large and spread out.
Both have multiple bus stops that will take a few minutes for the bus to circumnavigate.
Both have a themed pool and multiple 'quiet' pools.
I recommend staying in a preferred location at both of these resorts.

Differences:
Pool is better at CBR for very young children, IMO.
'Tropical island' vs a 'southern charm' atmosphere, your pick which appeals more.
POR has a boat to DS - very nice.
Some fireworks are visible at certain spots around CBR.
POR has Yee Haa Bob entertainment.
POR has a nice horse and buggy ride available.
CBR has slightly larger rooms and most rooms are recently refurbished (all except pirate rooms, I believe).
CBR has pirate themed rooms - best avoided - they are distant, only have double beds and can be scary to some children!
POR has royal themed rooms - very nice but pricey for little extra real benefit (essentially just upgraded room decor).

Bus service really is quite variable and can be good or bad at any resort. It isn't predictably better at any resort, AFAIK, unless you are talking about one the the deluxe resorts within walking distance of a theme park. (If you can walk then that is a huge benefit. BUT No moderates offer that option.)
IMO, it is a worthwhile advantage to book a room in a preferred location at either of these large, spread out resorts.

Good luck choosing! Both are lovely resorts with a lot to offer. You should have a fabulous stay whichever you choose!

 

[mickeygirl78]

Babsy summed it up really well.

I've stayed at both and overall I prefer CBR.

Pool - CBR
Food court - POR
Bus - even
Theme - CBR

I saw a comment above about the pathways not being lit enough to walk at night at CBR. I did not experience this at all. I was just at CBR for two weeks last month and walked from Jamaica across the bridge to Old Port Royale daily in the dark without issue. The boat to Disney springs from POR is a nice feature. My opinion for you is to pick the resort that appeals to you most for theme. They are both really nice.

 

[maxiesmom]

I've stayed at both, and I think POR is worlds better than CBR. To mirror the poster above me

Pool-CBR
Food Court POR
Buses POR (not sure how they can be even when POR has 4 stops and CBR 7)
Theme POR
And I will add
Gift Shop POR
Entertainment POR
Ease of getting to Disney Springs POR

 

[dansdad]

We too have stayed at both and prefer CBR. Both are great and there is no "wrong" choice. Might as well keep the theme going.

Pool - CBR
Food Court - CBR
Table Service Restaurant - CBR
Buses - Even
Theme - CBR
Gift shop - Even
Entertainment - POR
Ease of getting to Disney Springs - POR

 

[mickeygirl78]

I've stayed at both, and I think POR is worlds better than CBR. To mirror the poster above me

Pool-CBR
Food Court POR
Buses POR (not sure how they can be even when POR has 4 stops and CBR 7)
Theme POR
And I will add
Gift Shop POR
Entertainment POR
Ease of getting to Disney Springs POR

fyi - the reason I feel the busses are even is because in the mornings they only do half of CBR, so it's either 3 or 4 stops not 7. If it's later in the day, yes they do all 7 at CBR however when I was at POR they often did POFQ bringing that one to 5 stops.

 

[SuperTink]

Thanks for all your thoughtful replies!